risk mitigation

Stay One Step Ahead: Protect Your Fleet From Animal Strikes

Animal collisions can cause severe vehicle damage, resulting in the need for repairs. U.S. drivers on average have a 1 in 128 chance of a collision with an animal, according to an annual study by State Farm. The figure includes dogs, coyotes, rodents and deer. Deer remain the No. 1 animal involved in a collision.

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Oh Deer: 9 Ways to Avoid Animal Strikes

Did you know November is deer mating season? That means drivers run a high risk for collisions with deer and other wildlife. Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that animal-vehicle collisions are two times more likely in November than in any other month of the year.

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Secure Your Cargo (& Avoid the Perils of Shifting Loads)

As a professional driver, you face countless challenges on the road, and you can’t anticipate them all. But here’s one that’s totally within your control: keeping your cargo safe and secure.

Proper cargo securement is more than just making sure every item in your trailer or flatbed is tied down. It also involves achieving the right balance. When your cargo is evenly distributed, you’ll avoid the risk of load shifting. It’s a serious problem that makes a truck difficult to drive. It can even cause a truck to roll over.

A few ways to secure your cargo and prevent load shifting:

  • Sweep out your trailer so you start with a clean floor.
  • Inspect all securement devices (tie-downs, ratchet straps, chains, binders, cargo nets) for signs of wear and tear. Replace any damaged tie-downs and be sure to always carry more than needed just in case a replacement is needed while on the road.
  • Check the working load limit (WLL) of your tie-downs so you don’t overstress them.
  • Inspect the load you’ll be hauling. Look for the weight (which should be listed on the bill of lading) and length of your cargo.

As you load

  • Use the right number of tie-downs. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recommendations call for:
    • One tie-down for items that are 5 feet long or shorter and weigh 1,100 lbs. or less
    • Two tie-downs for
      • Items that are 5 feet long or shorter and weigh 1,100 lbs. or more
      • Items that are longer than 5 feet but shorter than 10 feet
    • Use additional tie-downs for every extra 10 foot of length
    • Unsure of how many tie-downs to use? Add an extra tie-down or two to be extra cautious.
  • Make sure all securement devices are tight but not too tight—they should snap like a rubber band.
  • Use edge protectors to prevent straps from damaging your cargo.
  • Secure any rolling cargo with chocks, wedges or cradles.
  • Distribute your load as evenly as possible and try to secure cargo to fixed points inside your trailer or on a flatbed.

As you drive

  • Inspect your cargo within the first 50 miles, then every 3 hours, 150 miles or at change of duty. Make sure nothing has shifted or moved. Tighten any loose tie-downs.
  • Drive safely. Take tight curves slowly. Avoid harsh braking. Slow down in inclement weather.

Remember, proper cargo securement is the driver’s responsibility. Take the time to balance your load, drive safely, and check your load in transport to keep you and your cargo safe.


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Cargo Theft Hits a New High

Cargo theft spiked last year, with thieves becoming more strategic and targeting high-value loads.

“The motives and the way the criminals are operating has changed, and cargo theft is increasing tremendously,” said Keith Lewis, vice president of operations at CargoNet, a Verisk company.

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Cargo Theft Rose in 2022, Household Items, Electronics Top Targets

Cargo theft continued to increase in 2022, jumping 20%, with thieves targeting parking lots and warehouses, according to the latest data from CargoNet. Plus, events that involved the theft of at least one heavy commercial vehicle, such as a semi-truck or semi-trailer, increased by 17% year-over-year.

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Avoid the Risks and Costs of Fluid Disposal With a Full-service Lease

Regular maintenance of Class 8 vehicles requires replacing and removing fluids to keep vehicles running. Used fluids must be recycled or disposed of correctly and documented from cradle to grave to meet regulatory requirements. Additionally, customers are increasingly interested in monitoring their carbon output and documenting recycling efforts.

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Parking Locations, Time of Year Increase Risk of Cargo Theft

Cargo theft can be a costly issue for fleets, and the time of the year, the locations where drivers park, and the commodity drivers are hauling all contribute to a load's risk.

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